The National Farmers Union and Minnesota Farmers Union announced on July 4 the passing of David Velde, a long-time leader and General Counsel for both organizations. Velde, who was 74 and lived in Alexandria, died on June 26.
Velde grew up in a Farmers Union family and served as director of public affairs for Minnesota Farmers Union before becoming General Counsel for both the state and national organizations. He also co-managed his law firm, Velde Moore, Ltd., with his wife Brenda Velde. Throughout his career, he presided over member-driven policy deliberations and provided counsel to the organization.
NFU President Rob Larew said, “Dave Velde was a gifted counselor in the fullest sense: sharp enough to see every angle of a difficult problem, and human enough to know it often took a little lighthearted banter to get through a tense debate. That skill was never more evident than at our national convention, where he chaired the grassroots policymaking process that is at the heart of this organization; he made sure every delegate felt heard even in disagreement. His legacy will endure as a steady, trusted steward within Farmers Union — one who helped reshape how we deliver results for the people we serve and our partners around the world. The wit and warmth he brought into every room will be impossible to replace. We are a stronger organization for his service, and I am a better person for having worked beside him.”
Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish said, “Dave Velde spent his entire career championing family farmers and rural communities. He advocated for policies that supported family farmers as director of public affairs for Minnesota Farmers Union, deputy commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and board member for the Minnesota Rural Finance Authority. He served as General Counsel for the Minnesota Farmers Union and the National Farmers Union (NFU). He was the voice of the Minnesota Farmers Union State Convention for decades, skillfully guiding the policy debate with both humor and purpose. He also presided over policy debate at the WFU and NFU annual conventions and World Farmers Organization general assemblies, where he previously served as a board member.” Wertish added condolences on behalf of all members.
The National Farmers Union represents more than 220,000 family farmers across its 24 state divisions through democratic grassroots processes that begin locally before rising to national priorities; it supports rural quality-of-life initiatives while advocating sustainable agriculture practices nationwide, according to the official website.
NFU and MFU extended their deepest condolences to Velde’s family along with members whose lives were touched by his years of service.